San Francisco is a city that likes to reinvent itself every few years, sometimes because it can (Gold Rushes past and present), and sometimes because it has to (earthquakes past and present). Whether by choice or by accident, San Franciscans consider upheaval par for the course, so rather than crying over worthless stock options, they bide their time, certain in the knowledge that the next big thing is just around the bend.

While most of the large, historic hotels lie in the downtown corridor and atop Nob Hill, a number of new and unique properties dot the outlying districts, offering a refreshing alternative to the tried-and-traditional. (Related item: Search USATODAY.com's hotel directory for more options in San Francisco)